Our Village Voice www.seabreezepublications.com
VOL. 35 NO. 11
NOVEMBER 2024
Town Of Jupiter News By Jim Kuretski, Mayor, Town of Jupiter Jupiter Fire Rescue Services Circuit Court Judge Scott issued an Oct. 9, order declaring that Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) Union, Local 2928, PAC’s proposed charter amendment and associated ballot language is legally “invalid” and “unconstitutional in its entirety” and cannot be put to a vote, and cannot be adopted by the Town of Jupiter. The court ruling stated: “It is undisputed that the Town Council’s decision to terminate its agreement with the
county was based on a thorough financial analysis. It is also undisputed that the town ultimately concluded that allocating money toward a new town fire department would save town residents and businesses” a very significant amount of money in taxes. It was almost three years ago that a PBCFR Union member asserted that PBC planned to effectively double its ad valorem tax assessments on all Jupiter residents and business property owners for its contracted fire rescue services to Jupiter. The intended use of this huge tax hike was to subsidize the cost of fire rescue services to rural unincorporated areas that are inherently more costly to serve than more compact and populated municipal government service areas. A Town Council majority took actions in August/ September 2023 to create the new Jupiter Fire Rescue Department (JFRD) to avert the planned tax hike in PBCFR
tax assessments. I don’t understand how any elected official representing Town of Jupiter resident and business taxpayers could act or be expected to act otherwise. Fire trucks and ambulances have been ordered. Construction of new JFRD stations is underway. The JFRD leadership team has been hired and is diligently working to be prepared to begin full fire/rescue service operation throughout the town on October 1, 2026. There is a growing list of firefighters now totaling in excess of 100 candidates who that expressed interest in working for JFRD when it begins hiring to assemble the full JFRD staffing level. We are hopeful that the PBCFR Union, Local 2928, PAC will take the circuit court judge’s ruling into account and cease undermining the efforts of fellow first responders working hard to establish Jupiter’s new Fire/Rescue Department. Stay tuned.
Commissioner’s Update Palm Beach County Senior Centers: A Hub Of Resources And Community For Older Residents By Vice Mayor Maria G. Marino Palm Beach County’s senior centers are a community focal point where active older persons socialize and participate in programs and activities which enhance their quality of life, support their independence and encourage their involvement. With a
simple enrollment process and numerous activities to choose from, Palm Beach County senior centers are a valuable resource providing essential support services for residents over 60 years old looking to enrich their lives while staying connected to the community they help build. Palm Beach County operates three senior centers that serve as hubs for older adults and veterans. • North County Senior Center, 5217 Northlake Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418, (561) 694-5435 • Mid County Senior Center, 3680 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth, FL 33461, (561) 357-7100 • West County Senior Center, 2916 State Road #15, Belle Glade, FL 33430, (561) 996-4808 Palm Beach County offers an impressive selection of programs designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of older adults. Whether you want to stay physically active, socialize with peers, or learn something new, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the resources available at various locations: daily meal programs,
health education classes and resources, recreation programs, exercise programs, community outings, community partners meetings and lectures, and social programs including group games, billiards and special events. Getting started at one of Palm Beach County’s senior centers is a smooth and personalized experience. Simply visit the senior center you are interested in to begin the enrollment process. Whether you’re seeking meals, social opportunities, or educational programs, visiting in person allows you to see firsthand what’s available. When you arrive, you’ll meet with a staff member who will answer any questions you may have. They will provide a quick tour of the facility and explain the programs and events offered at the center. To complete your registration, you will be asked to provide a photo I.D. and fill out a registration form. This form includes the senior center’s rules and a waiver that Commissioner’s Update on page 3
Northern Notes Living With Sandhill Cranes
lots, or even walking across roads, seemingly oblivious to danger. They often travel in small groups or pairs, sometimes with their young ones in tow, adding to their unique charm. Two subspecies of sandhill crane live in Florida at certain times of the year. The Florida sandhill crane (Grus Canadensis pratensis), numbering 4,000 to 5,000, is a non-migratory year-round
By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District Sandhill cranes, with their long legs, necks, and distinctive gray plumage, are a sight to behold. Their striking appearance, including the patch of red skin on their head, sets them apart as they stand almost 4 feet tall. You may spot them near preserves and wetlands, in parking Northern Notes on page 3
REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY IMMEDIATELY TO THE JUPITER POLICE DEPARTMENT
(561) 799-4445
Use 911 for emergencies only. Lock car doors. Do not leave valuables in the car.